Fall to Winter Transition - My Beauty Essentials for Colder/Dryer Weather

Try as I might to deny the inevitable, I have to force myself into realizing that it truly is that dreaded time of year again where the temperatures drop, the days get shorter and, yes, even that four letter "S" word begins to appear. 

I've mentioned before that I live in Canada - no its not winter all year round and no I do not live in an igloo but it does indeed get cold here, and snow. With all of these seasonal changes comes several undesirable side effects. I get extremely dry skin starting around this time of year until pretty well April and it includes everything from my face, hands and even my scalp. 

I compiled a few things that I've been turning to lately to aid in the transition into these dryer and cooler temperatures, and hopefully will keep me feeling much more hydrated all winter long. 

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturizer 

This has been my daily face lotion for years now, and I use it all year round. It's great for the cooler weather because it really moisturizes the dry areas on my face without making areas that are more oily like my nose and forehead become shiny and overly oily throughout the day. I also love this because it wears great on its own or under makeup. 

Vaseline 

This is a life saver for me all winter long. I use it for a variety of purposes - on my lips, hands and even my feet (put some on your feet and then put on a pair of fuzzy socks and go to bed and you wake up with super soft feet). 

Cuticle Massage Cream

This is a little one I got from a nail set that I just happen to be using up right now but any cuticle cream/oil is essential for me as soon as the air becomes more dry.

Lush Wiccy Magic Muscles Massage Bar

This little beauty is an absolute favorite of mine for this time of year. It is advertised as a massage bar for sore muscles (and it truly does bring relief - my back muscles love this) but it is also super duper moisturizing. It's great on elbows and knees where you tend to get dry skin. The added bonus is the amazing spicy scent that has hints of cinnamon and cloves, which makes it a heavenly winter pamper item.

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve

I've probably mentioned this a number of times on my blog, but here it is again in all its rose glory. It is my favorite daily lip balm but it can also be used on your face, hands, elbows, cuticles and pretty much anywhere else you have extra dry skin. The smell of this stuff alone is worth trying it out if you're a rose lover. 

EOS Hand Lotion

I seem to always have one of these on the go at all times, if not more. I always have one in my purse and you'll more than likely find one in with my manicure supplies as well. Right now I have the cucumber melon scent on the go but I truly can't think of a scent I don't like from this range. It's a great boost of moisture and the key for me is that it absorbs quickly and is none greasy. 

March Favorites

Hello and Happy April!

Throughout the month of March I surprisingly didn't do that much shopping at all, it was more a month of shopping my stash of makeup and using old favorites or things I just hadn't given much of a chance in the past. 

First off, and probably least exciting, lip balm. This is actually one of my few small purchases of the month - EOS lip balm in summer fruit. Hello delish smell/taste! It mainly smells like peach to me so that is right up my ally, I'm obsessed! 

Next off, concealer, and as you can see this is going to be an April (re)purchase - MAC Pro Long Wear Concealer in NW20. I think I may have a couple more makeup days in this before it completely refuses to produce product but holy moly I've been so glad I pulled this out of my drawers after many months of it being pushed aside. I now remember why I loved it so much!

This past month I gravitated toward much more pastel shades on my nails as spring (not so willingly) begins to appear here in my area of Canada. The two I used most through March were Mint Candy Apple and Spaghetti Strap. MCA is still currently on my toes and looks so fresh and lovely. Spaghetti Strap has been my go to "nude" nail lately as its sheer and natural looking but with a little more pink in it.

I feel I hardly have to mention this as its always a resounding favorite, but my MAC Melba blush rarely steers me wrong - pink, matte, effortless, and works with all eye looks.

Josie Maran Argan Oil has quickly become a staple in the face moisturizing routine. I got this sample size forever ago and finally decided it was time I tried it out after hearing so many good things about it. I have officially been converted! I never thought oil of any kind on my combo/oily skin would ever work well but it has transformed my skin! I combine a few drops of it with my usual Neutrogena moisturizer and apply morning and night. I will certainly be buying the full size once this runs out!

My favorite way to apply/buff my foundation this month has been with my Real Techniques buffing brush, it gives an amazing and flawless finish, and I love my foundation so much more when I use it. I plan to do a full review post very soon on RT brushes as they have become my new favorite brushes.

Last, but certainly not least, my Maybelline Illegal Length mascara. I have rarely used this on its own as it gives a little too much of a natural/minimal look, which is not what I typically strive for when doing my lashes. My love for this comes from layering it with other mascaras that are more voluminous so you achieve the best of both worlds - length AND volume! 

Let me know if you would like a more in depth review on any of the products mentioned! 

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